As I prepare for Christmas this year, here in the mountains of Kentucky...I find myself recalling the many wonderful holidays that our family shared, they were simple...yet memorable and meaningful.
Christmas in Kentucky
Christmas in Kentucky, how we eagerly awaited this wonderful season, a holiday filled with family and friends mommy would always work hard to make it last, as we were her reason. Those days are from a time gone by, those were Christmas’s of the past… A special time that came but once a year welcomed with eyes of anticipation. Watching with excitement while out of the closet they came, boxes of treasured decorations. Our hearts raced with joy for we knew that Christmas was near. A tree that appeared to a child larger than life filled with an assortment of ornaments from years past, no particular theme or design, yearly ornaments were each claimed by a child as mine. Carefully handed for us place upon the tree from the loving hands of our mother so others may see. Snowmen were made in our front yard, using small pieces of coal for his eyes upon his head proudly we placed one of Papaw’s old gray hats. We’d gather to watch our favorite Christmas cartoon, with a pan of homemade caramel corn made with the stirring of mom’s own spoon, in front of the old black and white television happily we sat. The scent of cinnamon and turkey would fill our house, as we awaited a dinner we called "the feast." Opening our special present that mommy had bought, filled with love and always much careful thought. Playing till bedtime and often after, the smiles on our face allowed mommy to know, with our gift we were pleased. Sleep came easy after much socialization and a midnight snack we ate, turkey and second helping of dessert, and finally to bed very late. Those traditions were handed down for her children each, as we still celebrate today much similar to mommy’s way. Carrying on the tradition of Christmas in the mountains, where we instill the value of family, for our children and grandchildren we reach. Filled with gestures of sentimental value, and warm invitations for all on Christmas day… silently portraying our love for you mommy as your inherited traditions continue to say.
Written By: Joyce Bowling Copyright December 2006 All Rights Reserved
in this poem you have encompassed the characteristic moments that make christmas time a special time of year ... the sentiment are imagery are heartfelt, real and emdody a specific message that love endures in the heart of a family not only on chritmas time but throughout the year ...
You may be in Kentucky, Joyce, but you have rekindled for me the many happy similar memories of Christmas with my farming folks when a child in Somerset, too. It may be the ONLY day of the year when extended families still make the effort to get together in our far-spread, fast-paced modern lives, but usually the experience of the "bonding" and sense of identity that comes with it gives us something to hold onto for the next 364! Wonderfully encapsulated. TY K xx
What a wonderful write! And I could feel the rhythm of your heartbeat in every line. Thank God for Christmases gone by and for people such as you--ones who can tickle our thoughts about the way things used to be. Oh, how I long to see those days once again. Yet somehow, you have managed to transport me there once more. Your words are like fine silver and gold.
"Christmas In Kentucky"
Oh My Old Kentucky Home~I rememeber it just like you spoke.
The simple ways and yet they are all magnificent and always remembered. We passed down these similiar sentimental ways to our daughter....the anticipation, and the fulfillment never fails. Most of all the abundance of love that continues to pour and pour in, and through, and out of the heart~Oh such love to share from the Holy Spirit!
Thank you Joyce for sharing this wonderful memmory,
From the Heart of an Artist Quiet Storm
Our childhood memories of Christmas are heavenly; Christmas seen through the eyes of a child is delightful. I wish I could experience my childhood Christmases again...oh, what joy...what anticipation...Christmas plays about the Nativity ... going to church with Mom and Dad and my siblings...singing Christmas Carols... Precious!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful Christmas memories, Joyce. Here's wishing you a safe and happy one this year.
God Bless
Love, Lena
Reviewed by Elizabeth Taylor (Reader)
Reviewed on December 7, 2006
Wonderful Christmas spirit!
Merry Berry to you and yours.
You should be doing a Nostalgia Magazine of your own! Your poetry is respendent with images and sounds, colors and scents.....and true, deep-down, God-fearing, love of family and country.
Thank you for sharing your precious gift.
A Very Merry Kentucky Christmas to you & yours, Joyce!
Love&Blessings, Rhonda
Reviewed by Miss Pandora (Reader)
Reviewed on December 6, 2006
Helping to keep it alive with this one Joyce...just beautiful,...you capture much in imagery, emotion and wonderful memories. Just lovely. Love Panda :)
It is so good to read a poem with the true Christmas spirit within it. In this day and age where the secularists want to crush this beautiful day, thank you for keeping it alive.
I am not from the south, but I do admire the traditions brought about, and the warmth that comes from so many of the people including yourself this is a beautiful write
God Bless
Michelle~
Reviewed by Victor Buhagiar (Reader)
Reviewed on December 1, 2006
How traditions are being trampled underfoot these days. Progress, they say. But in reality those were the days. Victor
Reviewed by J M (Reader)
Reviewed on December 1, 2006
TRADITIONS BRING SUCH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES WE NEVER LOSE.
This is so wonderful to read Joyce it gives one a feeling of comfort, family, warmness in this holiday season. Families with Values would help the world today.
This is so warm and inviting...thank you for sharing the lovely traditions of your family with us Joyce...I feel like I know you better by reading this piece. And, I appreciate your wonderful reviews of my work too. It's a joy to read such glowing words. Blessings and hugs, Michelle
I love your writings, Joyce -- such a warm and loving style and always so family oriented which brings my own memories flooding to the surface. This is so tender and touching and through your beautiful imagery and words, your childhood comes alive for your readers to share.
Love and much respect,
CJ
Ah, the wonderful traditions of our youth!
I love having some of those original ornaments. They are treasures, even the strange-looking foam bell my Mom trimmed with some shiny metallic stuff. I will never part with them.
Really enjoyed your reminiscence of Christmas in Kentucky.
Love,
Connie
A passionate and poignant memoir written by a woman whose life has been guided by the words: "I am here to learn how to love well." The book is a deep examination of relationships, family, motivation, and honoring of the Self.
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outstanding poem!
Regis
"Christmas In Kentucky"
Oh My Old Kentucky Home~I rememeber it just like you spoke.
The simple ways and yet they are all magnificent and always remembered. We passed down these similiar sentimental ways to our daughter....the anticipation, and the fulfillment never fails. Most of all the abundance of love that continues to pour and pour in, and through, and out of the heart~Oh such love to share from the Holy Spirit!
Thank you Joyce for sharing this wonderful memmory,
From the Heart of an Artist Quiet Storm
Myrna
Light and Wisdom ...
Richard Lloyd Cederberg
Thank you for sharing your beautiful Christmas memories, Joyce. Here's wishing you a safe and happy one this year.
God Bless
Love, Lena
Merry Berry to you and yours.
Elizabeth
You should be doing a Nostalgia Magazine of your own! Your poetry is respendent with images and sounds, colors and scents.....and true, deep-down, God-fearing, love of family and country.
Thank you for sharing your precious gift.
A Very Merry Kentucky Christmas to you & yours, Joyce!
Love&Blessings, Rhonda
Love, Taylor
Chrissy
Love Tinka
God Bless
Michelle~
This is so wonderful to read Joyce it gives one a feeling of comfort, family, warmness in this holiday season. Families with Values would help the world today.
Thanks for sharing this gem,
God Bless Joselyn
Love and much respect,
CJ
I love having some of those original ornaments. They are treasures, even the strange-looking foam bell my Mom trimmed with some shiny metallic stuff. I will never part with them.
Really enjoyed your reminiscence of Christmas in Kentucky.
Love,
Connie